Professor Paul Wainaina, the man who has been synonymous with Kenyatta University for nearly a decade, is leaving office, but not quietly. His departure is the final chapter in a saga of suspensions, court-ordered reinstatements, and a public clash with the highest levels of government, leaving the university at a critical crossroads.

The core of Wainaina's tumultuous final years was a fierce battle over 410 acres of university land. In July 2022, the government requested the land for several projects, including a World Health Organisation (WHO) hub, a move Wainaina and the university council resisted, arguing it was earmarked for student hostels and other university projects. This defiance led to his summary dismissal, a decision he successfully challenged in court, marking one of several instances where he fought for his position.

The Fight for Control

The conflict extended beyond the land dispute, morphing into a protracted struggle with the University Council, chaired by Dr. Ben Chumo. The council sent Wainaina on compulsory leave in April 2024, citing an accumulation of 30 months of sabbatical leave and other pending leave days. This move was widely seen as an attempt to sideline him before his contract expired. Wainaina again turned to the Employment and Labour Relations Court, which ordered his reinstatement, ruling his removal unlawful.

Dr. Chumo defended the council's actions, stating they were procedural and based on Wainaina's contract and impending retirement. However, Chumo himself resigned in November 2025, citing interference from the Ministry of Education in the recruitment process for Wainaina's successor, adding another layer of complexity to the university's governance challenges.

A Legacy of Growth and Instability

Despite the controversies, Wainaina's tenure saw significant developments at Kenyatta University. He oversaw a restructuring program that reportedly saved the institution KES 1 billion annually. Under his leadership, KU also achieved the distinction of being ranked the top university in Kenya. Furthermore, a study revealed that graduates from Kenyatta University are the second most preferred by Kenyan employers, a testament to the institution's academic standing. This directly impacts the livelihoods of thousands of Kenyan families, as a degree from a reputable university is often a key to securing employment.

However, the constant leadership wrangles have cast a long shadow. Such instability in Kenya's premier institutions of higher learning can disrupt academic activities, delay key decisions, and affect staff morale, ultimately impacting the quality of education for tens of thousands of students. The situation at KU mirrors similar crises at the University of Nairobi and Moi University, pointing to a systemic issue in the governance of public universities in Kenya.

What Lies Ahead for Kenyatta University?

As Kenyatta University prepares for a new era, the focus shifts to the selection of its next Vice-Chancellor. The university staff union (KUSU) has expressed anxiety over delays in the recruitment process, emphasizing the need for a visionary leader who can ensure stability and navigate the evolving higher education landscape. The new leadership will inherit a university with a strong academic reputation but one that is also navigating financial constraints and the aftershocks of prolonged internal conflict.

The next Vice-Chancellor's immediate priorities will likely include restoring a harmonious working relationship between the university management and the council, ensuring financial sustainability, and continuing to enhance the university's research and innovation agenda to meet global standards. For the average Kenyan, a stable and well-led Kenyatta University means a reliable institution for their children's higher education and a source of well-equipped graduates to drive the nation's economy. The path ahead is challenging, but it also presents an opportunity for a new beginning for one of Kenya's most important academic institutions.